The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm Blog

Underage Drinking and My Teen, Now What?

teen drinking large bottle of wine — Bad Decisions Result in Legal Consequences

Drinking before reaching the legal age of 21 creates a temptation most teens experience at least once. By the time they're high school seniors, two-thirds of teens try alcohol according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, people between the ages of 12-20 drink about one-tenth of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. Giving in to this temptation means an increased risk of legal consequences for your teenager, including, getting arrested and charged with underage drinking.

Breaking the law in this way can have a significant impact on a young person’s life. Facing a charge of underage drinking can go on a teen’s permanent record and follow them into adulthood. It can impact college and career choices as well. Should you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to engage a knowledgeable attorney. They will work toward preventing any permanent impact on your child’s future, and help protect their rights.

Obtaining legal advice from the start can significantly impact your case, leading to the best possible outcome. Working with an attorney who has handled cases involving underage drinking helps ensure both you and your teen are prepared. It's important to know what rights and options you have as you move through your case, as well as what state-mandated consequences are in place.

The charge for underage drinking

Georgia has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking. If your teen drinks underage and gets caught, the charge is Minor in Possession of Alcohol. For purposes of the underage drinking laws in Georgia, anyone under 21 is considered a minor, and consuming any amount of alcohol breaks the law. You do not have to have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, as you would if you were 21 or over. Any alcohol in a teen’s system is illegal.

An officer can use any legally obtained evidence to prove you consumed alcohol. Smelling it on your breath gets you charged even if there’s not an actual bottle in sight. This type of charge can remain on an individual’s record indefinitely. It may resurface to impact future employment opportunities as well as scholarship potential when applying to college.

Potential penalties for my teen

Even with a first-time offense, penalties can include both a fine and jail time. Fines can reach up to $300 for the first charge, with repeat offenders having to pay up to $1,000. As for jail time, you may serve six months for your first offense and up to one year with a second conviction. A judge may also decide to suspend your teen’s license even with a first offense.

Should your teen find themselves in legal trouble as a result of underage drinking, the capable team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can help.

Through careful evaluation of the case, they will offer advice on how to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. The initial consultation is free, so call today to schedule an appointment.

Handling a personal Injury on Spring Break

Crowded Beaches and Water - Personal Injury Potential — Crowded Beaches and Water – Personal Injury Potential

Between March 14 and April 28 this year, the TSA expects to screen around 107 million passengers. This is a three percent increase over 2018. While some of those travelers are business commuters and vacationing families, a large number are college students heading out on Spring Break. Whether staying inside the U.S. or traveling out of the country for this week-long holiday, the pace at which most people celebrate Spring Break can lead to reckless behavior that results in personal injury. As a result, it’s important to know what to do, when you’re on the go, if you find yourself injured and in need of legal counsel.

Where are spring breakers heading?

Certain cities within the U.S. and a few outside the country have earned reputations for being ideal Spring Break destinations. Typically, it’s because of their warm weather and variety of places to drink and socialize. Popular Spring Break destinations in the U.S. include:

Key West, Florida: The southernmost point in the U.S. provides an endless string of bars. Police also take a more relaxed approach to open container laws.
Panama City, Florida: The “unofficial spring break capital of the world.” This destination is affordable for college students with plenty of beach parties and nightclubs.
Fort Myers Beach, Florida: Hosting a 24-hour party at one of the most wild resorts along with games and contests along the beach make this Spring Break destination all about fun.
South Padre Island, Texas: Drinking on the beach here is legal, which attracts quite a crowd. The annual Ultimate Music Experience, a three-day music festival with some of the greatest DJs performing also attracts a crowd.
Las Vegas, Nevada: You might not need Spring Break as an excuse to come here and spend some time at a hotel pool party, but during the spring, everything is amped up.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona: Each Spring Break this area is practically taken over by college students. It's popular to rent house boats and spend the week on the lake.

For those students able to leave the country for their Spring Break, a few international destinations have also earned reputations that make them a popular stop this time of year, including:

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Cancun, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Negril, Jamaica
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nassau, Bahamas

Common types of injuries on Spring Break

With so many party-filled locations to spend Spring Break, the likelihood of a few, specific types of injuries becomes common. It’s possible to sustain an injury from the very start, while driving, flying, riding the bus, or cruising to your ultimate Spring Break spot. You might not be able to prevent injuries on a plane, bus, or cruise ship, but you can take the proper precautions if driving to decrease your chance of an accident. Make sure there’s no drinking and driving. Keep distractions in the car to a minimum. As a passenger, offer to do the texting or calling for the driver if the need arises.

Once you arrive, be wary of your surroundings. Avoid any dangerous areas in your hotel and at the bars and clubs you visit. Stick to marked paths and well-lit stairwells as best as you can. It’s also important to avoid getting into any physical altercations with another spring breaker. If someone approaches you in an aggressive way don’t fight back. Try to find a bouncer, bar manager, hotel security personnel, or contact the proper authorities.

Filing a personal injury claim away from home

Paddleboard Surfing - Injuries out of the Country — Injuries on the Water

What to do if find yourself suffering from an injury while on Spring Break as a results of negligence? Firstly, contact an experienced, personal injury attorney for help. It's okay to contact someone from home initially, especially if you're out of the country. They’ll be able to review your case and give you practical and functional advice to navigate the claims process with a local lawyer. Even if they’re unable to practice law in the state or country your claim is in, they can help you get started. Remember to take pictures of everything related to the injury — from where it took place to what the injury looks like. Keep records and documentation from doctors and police officers, and don’t move forward with any legal decisions until you consult a lawyer.

For more information on how to handle a personal injury case in Georgia, contact the knowledgeable legal team at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm. Your consultation is free.P

Spring Break and Drinking-related Arrests

Spring Break is quickly approaching. This year, over 53% of people aged 18-34 plan to travel for the week off. This mean a lot more people on the road and in airports. Attractive Spring Break destinations start filling up with people primarily interested in drinking, socializing, and partying. This environment creates a perfect combination of elements for drinking in excess, which can then translate into a variety of infractions that can lead to an alcohol-induced arrest.

The stats on drinking during Spring Break

The average spring breaker spends 19 percent of their vacation budget on alcohol. Considering how costly it can be to travel to some of the idyllic destinations for this week off, that could total up to a decent sum. This doesn’t just account for single drinks bought while out. Many college students save money by buying alcohol in bulk and drinking in their hotel or rented house before even heading to bars or clubs. As a result, while on Spring Break, men drink an average of 18 drinks per day, and women drink an average of ten.

Risqué behavior often stems from having too much to drink, when inhibitions go down along with patience. The potential for this problem increases during Spring Break due to the total number of vacationers getting intoxicated each day they’re away. According to Psychology Today, 44 percent of college women and 75 percent of college guys get drunk on a daily basis during Spring Break.

How intoxication gets you arrested

Activities that can lead to an arrest connected to excessive drinking vary. You may not even get arrested for being intoxicated, but rather your behavior while drunk can lead to charges like disturbing the peace or destroying property. Common alcohol-induced arrests consist of:

Underage drinking
DUI
Public intoxication
Fighting
Damaging property
Urinating in public
Public indecency

Even drinking in public can get you charged. This causes confusion for some college students since certain destinations allow open containers in public while others do not. Over Spring Break 2018, in Panama City, for example, over half of the 200 arrests taking place the first few weeks of the season were for drinking on the beach.

Arrests related to any of these activities can lead to criminal consequences, fines, or even jail time. They should all be taken seriously and managed with the help of an attorney with experience handing DUI and alcohol-related charges.

What to do if you find yourself in a squad car

Getting arrested over Spring Break, regardless of the charge, can become exacerbated by how you handle the situation. Even if you’re impaired as a result of alcohol, remember how you behave during the arrest can make a huge difference.

Stay calm and show respect: Regardless of how you feel about the treatment from the officer, be polite and keep your cool. You’ll still get arrested if you’re breaking a law, but good manners go a long way. Good behavior could even increase your chances of getting away with just a warning.

Tell the truth: Do not give a police officer a fake ID or lie about your identity in any way. Getting caught in a lie by the police can add an additional charge to your arrest. Keep it truthful when identifying yourself and your age, even if it means getting caught for underage drinking.

Avoid suspicious behavior: Never do anything that may make an officer feel like their safety is threatened. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking to an officer and never try to resist arrest. If you’re driving and get pulled over, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Ask the officer for permission before reaching to open a glove compartment or purse to get out your license and registration. Acting suspiciously can lead to a serious reaction by police, and you could find yourself injured as a result.

Contact a lawyer for alcohol-related charges

Contacting an experienced attorney, well-versed in cases related to alcohol-related charges as soon as possible after an arrest. Their familiarity with the legal process will help facilitate a smooth transition from your arrest to the next legal steps. Even if you’re out of town, you can contact a lawyer back home for initial support before working with someone local. If you find yourself under arrest over Spring Break, The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can help. Their case knowledge and personalized attention will assist you in getting the best outcome possible for your case.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Law

Catastrophic injuries can occur in a variety of situations and damage just about anywhere on the body. Most people think about car accidents as the primary location for an injury of this magnitude.

However, they occur at places of high risk such as a construction zone, as a result of a defective consumer product, or even as the result of a pharmacy error or malfunctioning medical device.

Defined as an injury that permanently prevents someone from performing gainful work because of the severity and long-term effects which occur, catastrophic injuries can create a lifelong disability for an individual. As a result, medical costs and lost wages could negatively impact the life of the person injured along with their family.

If you’ve experienced a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, seeking out legal support from an experienced personal injury attorney can be your best course of action.

Common causes and types of catastrophic injuries

Most catastrophic injuries occur as a result of an accident. In the case of motor vehicle accidents, severe injuries can happen in situations involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Additionally, an injury of this magnitude can take place as a result of:

Water vehicle accidents
Sport accidents
Falling from a great height
Experiencing a violent crime
Enduring a fire or explosion
Using a defective product

Injuries range from serious head trauma, to amputation, or multiple bone fractures. Damage can be done to the eye, shoulder, foot, back, neck, or brain. Severe burns, organ damage, spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders are also a possibility, along with injury resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances.

Each potential injury can lead to a lifetime of struggle that’s costly and stressful, which is why pursuing appropriate compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney is so essential.

Effects and the recovery process

A man with an injured and bandaged arm gives a thumbs up.

The effects of these types of injuries vary, but most lead to long-term issues from paralysis to pain to mental health issues. Recovery is also lengthy and may require both physical and mental support to adjust to the changes a catastrophic injury may create.

Between the effects of the injury and the process of recovery, healing can require care over months, years, or even indefinitely. This can lead to loss of income from no longer being able to work. You may also experience a delay in returning as you learn how to function in the new physical state you may find yourself if your injury leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia.

What to expect when pursuing legal action

Enduring a catastrophic injury is challenging and stressful enough for the individual suffering as well as close family members. Adding in the confusion often felt by going through the legal process of pursuing a personal injury claim can feel daunting.

The legal process begins with establishing whether or not the catastrophic injury was caused by the negligent or intentional act of another or a dangerous or defective product. Settlements seek to compensate for the lifelong challenges that may result from the injury and are often much higher than with other personal injuries due to the severity.

Once your personal injury attorney establishes negligence, they then begin to work on establishing the the true impact of the injury. It most likely won’t be totally apparent by the time the claim goes to court.

An experienced attorney such as the ones at The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm can review all the details of your injury to build a case that includes adequate compensation for the extent of your recovery.

Providing the personal attention you need in a situation like this, they’ll work to get you the best possible outcome for your case. The initial consultation is free, so set up your first appointment today.

Why You Need a Lawyer at Traffic Court

An open hand reaching out to help you prepare for traffic court. — We can make traffic court feel easier, less stressful, and potentially decrease the consequences of your situation.

Certain types of traffic tickets require a visit to traffic court, especially those connected to a car accident. Whether you’re attempting to get out of paying the ticket, or trying to keep all your points on your license, having an experienced attorney beside you throughout the process can be highly beneficial for a number of reasons.

Contacting an attorney to join you in traffic court may seem out of the ordinary, but an experienced traffic ticket defense attorney can have a significant impact on your situation. They can make the whole process feel easier and less stressful, and potentially decrease the consequences of your situation.

Speeding things up

Analog flips clock telling you it's time to get to traffic court. — Time flies when you're unprepared for traffic court. We can help get you ready.

Bring in a friendly face

When heading into traffic court, visions of spending an entire day sitting around waiting, may flash through your head. The time commitment of dealing with a single ticket could mean losing an entire day at work, or any number of inconveniences. However, with a traffic ticket lawyer by your side, the process could speed up significantly. Most likely, your lawyer has visited traffic court a lot, and as a result knows everybody working there. A friendly ‘hello’ to a clerk or a polite inquiry about the day may positively impact the amount of wait time. You may not even have to go in front of a judge at all if your lawyer can work with the clerk to process your ticket.

Prepare your case beforehand

Additionally, having a knowledgeable attorney look at your case before even getting to traffic court can speed up the process once your arrive. You should go over the details of your ticket prior to your court date. This gives your lawyer time to evaluate the case in advance, identify any weak spots, then craft a strategy to fight the ticket if possible. Having this strategy in place with someone to present it effectively can be especially beneficial if you end up in front of a judge. Your lawyer effectively question the police officer, if they show up, and expertly explain your circumstances to the judge for a better chance of dismissal.

Either way, inviting your lawyer to join you in traffic court can speed up the process by making it more efficient, for a shorter stay in court. You could even be out the door before the judge starts his or her day.

Slowing things down

Even if you're in a hurry to pay your traffic ticket, certain situations may lead to you to want to slow things down. Your lawyer will know when these situations arise. They can help with facilitating a delay by requesting a continuance once you arrive in traffic court.

Two types of traffic tickets in Georgia require you to appear in court, but it’s advisable to go in no matter what rather than just paying your fine online.

Serious traffic offenses, defined as tickets with the potential for more severe consequences. Penalties could be more than just a fine or a license suspension.
Tickets involving drivers under the age of 21. All young drivers are required to appear in court for traffic tickets. They have an increased potential for getting their license suspended as a penalty.

Once in court, your lawyer may request a continuance if you’re still waiting for additional evidence for your case. An example would be proof your insurance has compensated the other drivers involved in your accident. Sharing this type of information may help reduce your fine and prevent any points from being removed from your license.

Easing the tension in traffic court

A view into a bar where a man sits alone trying to relax. — Skip the bar. You can relax and reduce stress at our office with a free consultation on your traffic court case.

Traffic court makes most people feel tense and stressed. Knowing you have someone with legal expertise beside you can help ease the tension. They can give you a realistic picture of how the process will likely go and share what you can expect.

The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm takes a personal interest in each individual case in order to help manage each detail. They’ll meet you at traffic court and stick with you throughout the entire experience. There's no charge for the initial consultation, so reach out and schedule an appointment today